Bombonawulu Fortress

Tracing the Glory of Bombonawulu Fortress: A Natural Defense Fortress in Central Buton

Bombonawulu Fortress is more than just a silent pile of old coral rocks amidst the lush vegetation of Buton Island. Located in Bombonawulu Village, Gu District, Central Buton Regency, Southeast Sulawesi, this site is a manifestation of the architectural intelligence of traditional Nusantara military. As one of the most significant relics from the era of the Sultanate of Buton, this fortress holds a long narrative of sovereignty, war strategies, and the resilience of the local community in facing colonial threats and pirates.

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Historical Origins and Period of Establishment

The construction of Bombonawulu Fortress is closely related to the expansion of influence and the layered defense system implemented by the Sultanate of Buton in the 16th to 17th centuries. Specifically, the fortress is estimated to have begun strengthening its structure during the reign of the 4th Sultan of Buton, Dayanu Ikhsanuddin, and continued to be developed through the reigns of subsequent Sultans.

The name "Bombonawulu" itself has a unique etymological root in the local language. "Bombo" means ghost or spirit, and "Wulu" means feather. It is said that this area was once considered sacred and possessed a strong mystical aura, which was psychologically advantageous for defense as enemies often felt intimidated before reaching the main gate. Its construction aimed to serve as a "buffer zone" for the sultanate's center in Wolio, as well as a monitoring point for sea traffic in the strategic Buton Strait.

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Architectural Characteristics and Construction Details

One of the main unique features of Bombonawulu Fortress lies in its material selection and construction techniques. Unlike European fortresses that use red bricks or concrete, Bombonawulu Fortress was built using mountain stones (coral rocks) neatly arranged without modern cement. As a binder, the community at that time used a mixture of lime, egg whites, and liquid from certain tree bark, which allowed the stone structure to remain sturdy for centuries.

The fortress walls have varying thicknesses between 1 to 2 meters with heights reaching 3 meters at certain points. This structure follows the steep contours of the hill, making it very difficult for infantry troops to penetrate. Along the walls, there are observation holes (embrasures) specifically designed to place small cannons (lela) or flintlock rifles. The layout of the fortress is divided into several zones, including logistics storage areas, soldier living quarters, and a sacred area in the center.

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Historical Significance and Important Events

Bombonawulu Fortress played a vital role in maintaining the stability of the Central Buton region from external threats. In the 17th century, the Buton Strait area was often a transit route for VOC (Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie) fleets and pirates from the northern regions. This fortress functioned as an early warning system. When foreign ships were detected, guards would light fires or beat large gongs to signal neighboring fortresses until the signal reached the palace in Wolio.

One unique event recorded in the collective memory of the community is the fortress's role in the Buton War against the influence of Ternate and later the Dutch. Bombonawulu was not just a shelter but a guerrilla command center on the mainland of Central Buton. Due to its elevated location, fighters could drop large stones or launch surprise attacks on enemy forces attempting to ascend through narrow footpaths.

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Related Figures and Periods

This site cannot be separated from the role of the "Lakina" (local leaders) of Bombonawulu, who were directly appointed by the Sultan of Buton. These Lakina were responsible for the maintenance of the fortress and the mobilization of the people's troops called "Kapita." The existence of this fortress also demonstrates the strong decentralized defense system of the Sultanate of Buton, where each regency had military independence but remained loyal under the Sultanate's banner.

Furthermore, this fortress witnessed the transition of the Buton people's religion from local beliefs to Islam. Within the fortress complex, there are remnants of structures believed to be early places of worship, indicating that the fortress also served as a center for spreading spiritual values and social integration between the nobility and the common people.

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Cultural and Religious Meaning

For the people of Central Buton today, Bombonawulu Fortress is a symbol of self-identity. The local community regularly performs cleaning rituals or pilgrimages to this location, especially during major holidays or before the planting season. They believe that the ancestors who guarded the fortress still provide spiritual protection to the surrounding villages.

There is a unique belief regarding the "Batu Popaua" within the fortress, which was reportedly used for the inauguration rituals of local leaders. To this day, the sacredness of this site remains preserved, and visitors are expected to adhere to norms of politeness when in the fortress area to respect the strong traditional values.

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Preservation Status and Restoration Efforts

Currently, Bombonawulu Fortress has been designated as a Cultural Heritage site by the Central Buton Regency Government and is supervised by the Cultural Preservation Center. Although some parts of the walls have collapsed due to age and large tree roots damaging the stone structure, its main defensive line is still clearly visible.

Restoration efforts have been carried out gradually, focusing on clearing wild vegetation that damages the foundations and building access roads for tourists without damaging the site's authenticity. The local government is also beginning to promote Bombonawulu as a leading historical tourist destination, integrating it with the natural tourism potential of caves in Central Buton. The main challenge in preservation is the lack of detailed written documentation regarding the original structure within the fortress, so further archaeological research is continuously conducted to uncover the actual layout.

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Conclusion

Bombonawulu Fortress is tangible proof that a nation's defense does not solely rely on sophisticated weapons but on the utilization of nature and the unity of its people. Its existence in Central Buton serves as a reminder of the maritime and land glory once achieved by the Sultanate of Buton. Preserving Bombonawulu means preserving the nation's collective memory of courage, independence, and local wisdom that transcends time. As an invaluable world heritage, this site deserves serious attention so that it may stand tall as a silent witness to the history of Southeast Sulawesi for future generations.